New Jersey train crash leaves 1 dead and dozens injured

HOBOKEN, (New Jersey) — A commuter train crashed into one of the busiest train stations in the New York area during the morning rush on Thursday (Sept 29), killing at least one person, injuring more than 100 others and creating a scene of chaos and destruction, authorities and witnesses said.

The crash occurred around 8.45am, when a commuter train travelling at a high rate of speed barreled through the barriers meant to stop it and finally stopped against a wall of the Hoboken Terminal building, officials said.

The impact jolted commuters on the crowded four-passenger-car train and sent part of the terminal's structure that covered the tracks tumbling down onto the platform.

One person standing on the platform was killed by falling debris, Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey said at a news conference on Thursday afternoon near the train station. The victim was identified by the New Jersey Medical Examiner's office as Fabiola Bittar de Kroon, 34, of Hoboken.

"An extraordinary tragedy," Mr Christie said, flanked by Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York and transportation officials.

In total, at least 108 people were injured in the crash, Mr Christie said.

Mr Michael Larson, a New Jersey Transit worker, was in the station when the train crashed. He said he crawled on his hands and knees to pull people out of the first train car.

Videos and photographs show the front of the train stopped beyond the tracks inside the station amid a jumble of mangled metal and hanging wires.

"The first car was pretty well destroyed," Mr Larson said. "The whole roof was caved in. The seats were broken."

Rail service was suspended into and out of the station Local buses and ferries began accepting New Jersey train tickets as a result of the crash, but ferry service to New York City from Hoboken was shut down at midday, Mr Cuomo said.

Hoboken, which sits along the Hudson River, is a busy transit hub for both New Jersey Transit and PATH, the rail line that travels to Manhattan. PATH train service was suspended after the crash, but was restored by the Thursday afternoon rush. NEW YORK TIMES